There is a benefit available to residents of state pension age called Attendance Allowance which is there to help with the extra costs faced by people with health issues, care needs or disabilities. It is not means-tested and it doesn’t matter how much pension income you get or how much savings you have.

How much you receive depends on the level of support you need with everyday activities. The standard rate is £73.90 per week and the higher rate is £110.40 per week. We encourage everyone of state pension age, who has help from someone to look after them, to apply for Attendance Allowance. 

If you qualify for Attendance Allowance you could also be eligible for Pension Credit, the Winter Fuel Payment, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction . If you are over 75 years old you may be entitled to further benefits once Attendance Allowance is in place. 

Visit the Attendance Allowance page on the GOV.UK website for more information and to print the form off. 

Help is available from our Financial Inclusion team and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. They can help you to check your eligibility, complete the form and post it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can contact our Financial Inclusion team by phone on 01293 438931.

If you were born on or before 22 September 1959, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300 to help with heating costs. The qualifying week is 15 to 21 September 2025, and the deadline to apply is 31 March 2026. Payments are automatic for most, but those with taxable income over £35,000 must either opt out by 15 September 2025 or have the payment recovered through the tax system. Visit the gov.uk website for more information.

If you are aged 75 or over, you may be eligible for a free TV Licence. Visit the TV Licensing website for more information.

If you need help with paying for a funeral and receive certain benefits, the government has a scheme to help. Find out more on the gov uk website.

Age UK West Sussex gives confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues for older people including benefits, debt, budgeting, housing needs and accessing care and support. Visit Age UK's website for more information.